Woman in the Dark

Routine 30's programmer with nothing particularly to recommend. John's (Bellamy) paroled from prison because he killed a man in a fight. To stay out of trouble, he retreats to a cabin in the boondocks. But there he meets Louise (Wray) who's also in trouble. Then when his ex-rival Robson (Douglas) shows up, things really go haywire, especially when John slugs a confederate of Robson's. So, can John clear himself with the cops now that his parole's in jeopardy, and maybe warm up to the plaintive Louise.

Actor Bellamy's usually derided for being dull. Here, however, he shows some charisma as a leading man. But why it takes his character so long to clinch with the luscious Wray remains a cosmic mystery, especially when she walks in the door in a clinging satin gown. Oh well, it's the movies, and certainly King Kong knew better. The story idea comes from ace crime novelist Dashiell Hammett, but appears to suffer from erratic adaptation. For example, having movie sidekick Roscoe Ates clowning around undercuts any serious intent, and almost certainly didn't come from Hammett's novel. Nonetheless, fans of Wray should tune in thanks to her many glowing close-ups. Otherwise, the 60-minutes is pedestrian at best.

Woman in the Shadows (1934)

*** (out of 4)

Lightweight but entertaining crime/drama about a man (Ralph Bellamy) released from prison and deciding to stay alone in his cabin so that his bad temper won't get him back into prison. Everything's going well until a woman (Fay Wray) shows up being chased by her psychotic lover (Melvyn Douglas). There's nothing overly special about this "B" film from the Biograph Company but the three stars make it well worth watching. The pre-code elements with Wray's dress slipping down or the close-ups of her legs being shown are nice touches. Also known as Woman in the Dark. Directed by Phil Rosen who would go on to direct several Charlie Chan films as well as Spooks Run Wild and Return of the Ape Man.

Lightweight crime picture about a man (Ralph Bellamy) recently released from prison for killing a guy in a fight over a girl. It doesn't take long before he finds himself in trouble again over another girl (Fay Wray), thanks to a guy (Melvyn Douglas) who thinks that girl belongs to him. I was anxious to see this due to the stars involved and Dashiell Hammett's name attached. What an immense disappointment this was. The whole thing creaks along like it was made the very day talking pictures were invented. Plodding pace with no memorable lines or scenes. Bellamy does fine playing a tougher role than we're used to seeing him in. But there's a reason why he was eventually typecast as the genial "runner-up" who loses the girl to the more exciting star of the picture. The rest of the cast doesn't stink but no one impresses, either. Phil Rosen's direction is nothing to brag about. This one is a drag, in my opinion. But obviously other reviewers saw something I didn't so give it a shot and see what you think. But keep expectations low.

Out on parole, John Bradley (Ralph Bellamy) has no intention of returning to prison. His first night home, he is visited by Helen Grant (Nell O'Day) whose father is the sheriff. It was over Lil that John got into a brawl that ended in a man's death. John is encouraging her to leave when a woman, Louise Loring (Fay Wray) dressed in a white gown arrives at his house. She's hurt her ankle trying to get to the train station - and away from Tony Robson (Melvyn Douglas). Louise thought that Robson lent her money for her singing career - but it was an investment and he wants a return that isn't monetary.

Robson is there with a drunk friend (Reed Brown Jr.) who kills the dog that accompanied him (setting my teeth on edge), goes after Louise, is hit by John, and sustains a concussion, though John thinks he's dead. Tony informs the sheriff, and John and Louise go on the run to his cellmate Logan's (Roscoe Ates) place. It goes from there, with the police showing up yet again.

This is an okay movie, with the comedy coming from the visit at the Logan's -- he's an ex-jewel robber who is dying to get his hands on the jewels Robson gave Louise. Bellamy's career in films spanned 59 years, and his stage career spanned thirty. Here he's 30 years old, playing a somewhat laconic role, though flirtatious with Louise - his sonorous voice making him instantly recognizable.

Fay Wray was supremely beautiful and does a good job as Louise - though why anyone would walk in total darkness through what looked like woods to get to a train station is beyond me. I've seen too much true crime, I guess.

There was nothing special about this film, it was just nice to see the beautiful Wray and handsome Bellamy as a young man.

"Woman in the Shadows" AKA "Woman in the Dark" (1934). It's not a bad lighthearted crime drama - would have been much better without the comedy - would be better as a serious piece but it's not bad as it is. It's not a complicated story - it's simple but effective for what it is.

John Bradley is a man out of prison for manslaughter. He decides to live alone - he simply wants to be alone because he's afraid of his own bad temper hurting someone again. And for a man that wants to be alone he sure attracted a lot of company and that company leads him to fear he's killed someone again so he and his newfound female company goes on the run together.

And for a tough guy that doesn't like chicks to well because they are trouble he sure turned out to be a soft romantic.

5/10